On Tues the 8th we had a flying visit from Admiral Mullen (and entourage). He is the highest ranking officer in the entire United States Defence Force, his present position being the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff. Notice to attend the evenings event was very short and information about the event was vague for obvious reasons, until after, yep all very hush hush. But it did explain why the buildings were painted over the weekend. They flew in for 3hrs, had a quick meeting with the King, the function at Touliki and then back to the airport and onto Hawaii. The main message from the function was one of thanks for the continued support from the Tongan Defence Service (TDS) in IRAQ and Afghanistan conflicts. The Princess was the Kings representative and the Prime Minister also attended the function. The TDS guys put on another great function.
The boys from the guard patiently awaiting the VIPs arrival. Security was so high but the men in black suits (American special agents) stood out even more so when mixed in with the TDS security.
Jodie and Linda with the UK Defence Advisor and some of the wives of the Tongan Officers.
Taking the salute during the Ceremonial sunset.
Admiral Mullen (in charge of the US defence force approx 1.5 million troops) and Brigadier Uta'atu (in charge of the TDS forces approx 750 troops). The lady on the left is the Commander of Admiral Mullen's Home front or commonly known as his wife.
Lyndon looking dapper in his waiters uniform. (Mess undress uniform) 
The power team - Lord Tuita, Admiral Mullen, Princess Pilolevu Tuita, Mrs Mullen and the Tongan Prime Minister. This is just another example of how lucky we are in this posting, never in Lyndon's normal career would a Chief be personally invited to these kind of functions (unless he was in the guard), let alone get this close to this level of dignitaries. 
The real shocker of the night was this buggy as we all thought they brought their own stretch limo on the plane - but it is actually the only one on the Island. Impressive.
No comments:
Post a Comment